BARCELONA, April 22, 2026 – Barcelona’s social sector is emerging as an indispensable force for the city’s cohesion, tackling challenges such as child poverty, access to housing, unemployment, unwanted loneliness, and mental health. This vital role was highlighted in a recent dialogue organized by Rethink BCN and the Societat Barcelonesa d’Estudis Econòmics i Socials (SBEES) of Foment del Treball.
The Indispensable Role of the Third Sector
The discussion featured prominent figures including Marc Simón, deputy director of Fundació la Caixa; Llum Delàs, president of Fundació Roure; and Guillermo Vallet, co-CEO of Catalonia H&R and president of Fundación Get Up. They emphasized that the social sector is a silent engine that sustains the city, often less visible than other sectors but equally decisive.
Simón articulated the urgency of addressing child poverty, stating, “That a child’s future is predetermined by their family’s poverty is something that, as a society, we cannot allow.” He stressed that while public administration and the private sector play roles, the third sector is at the forefront of combating these societal issues.
Quantifying the Impact: Millions Served, Thousands Volunteering
The social dimension’s relevance is difficult to quantify, but statistics illustrate its profound impact:
- More than two million people are served annually by third-sector entities.
- Over half a million people volunteer each year.
Fundació Roure, deeply rooted in Ciutat Vella, exemplifies this commitment. For over three decades, it has worked to improve the quality of life for vulnerable residents through diverse initiatives, including a second-hand store, a solidarity supermarket, and a sewing school. Delàs noted that over 300 volunteers contribute through Fundació Roure alone.
Josep Sánchez Llibre, president of Foment del Treball, underscored the importance of this work, stating, “There is no progress or future without social cohesion.” He added that Catalonia’s deep-rooted commitment to social engagement results in a density of social entities far exceeding that of other European capitals, presenting an opportunity to make the social dimension a key focus for the region’s future.
Aligning Three Worlds for Extraordinary Outcomes
The power and dynamism of Catalonia’s social sphere are amplified through collaboration with administration and businesses. Felipe Campos, CEO of Aigües de Barcelona and director of Social Action at Veolia, highlighted this synergy at the dialogue’s opening: “When the three worlds align and serve people, extraordinary things happen.”
Both companies and public administration must embrace the social perspective of the third sector. Simón asserted, “It is a responsibility we all have towards improving society,” advocating for public-private collaboration-a sentiment echoed by Delàs as a fundamental condition for progress.
Beyond Assistance: Empowering Individuals to ‘Take Flight’
Delàs stressed that the third sector’s role extends beyond mere assistance; it aims to empower individuals to
